Chapter 2 2

"Thanks for the save back there," I said as we slipped back onto our stools at the bar. Derick was gone thank God, and I hoped he'd stay gone in every way possible.

Not in that way possible I know what you're thinking.

"No problem," Ryan replied casually, but there was a glint of curiosity in his eyes. "So... mystery man was he your ex?"

"Unfortunately," I muttered, exhaling sharply. "Derick. Just a ghost I haven't fully exorcised yet."

"Ghosts don't usually look that possessive," he said, raising an eyebrow.

I laughed bitterly. "Please. He dumped me like I was expired milk. Whatever that was back there wasn't love, it was ego."

Ryan didn't push further. Instead, he waved the bartender over. "Same as before?" he asked, already ordering the drink for us both.

I nodded, a reckless smile tugging at my lips. "Let's turn this night up."

When the drinks arrived, I barely hesitated. I threw the shot back like water and slammed the glass on the counter, already signaling for another.

Ryan let out a low chuckle. "Someone's on a mission."

"Damn right I am," I grinned, downing a second, then a third. The burn in my throat was sharp, but it matched the fire inside me.

"Okay, okay," Ryan said, laughing as I reached for a fourth. He gestured to the bartender to pause.

I blinked at him in slow confusion and reached for his drink instead. But before I could grab it, his hand wrapped around my wrist.

I looked up at him blurry, tipsy, annoyed.

"You took mine," I pouted, slurring slightly.

"You've had enough," he said gently. "Trust me. I'm trying to save you from a regret you'll meet in the morning."

Then he surprised me by lifting my hand and pressing a soft kiss to it. My breath caught. A blush crept across my cheeks that had nothing to do with the alcohol.

"Dance with me," I said suddenly, already getting up and tugging him toward the dance floor.

He let me lead, though I could tell it was more for my sake than his, he moved with the quiet confidence of someone who didn't get dragged anywhere he didn't want to be.

The music pulsed through the room, deep bass vibrating through my chest. I turned around, my back pressing against his chest, and began to move with the beat. His hands found my waist, and we swayed together in a rhythm that felt far too natural.

I let my body relax into him, feeling the warmth of him behind me. My hips pressed into him, my movements slow and deliberate. His breath brushed against the curve of my neck.

He leaned in and whispered something that got swallowed up by the music but I caught fragments beautiful, deadly, game.

Something about the way he said it sent a shiver down my spine.

I could feel him, really feel him..hard against me, and suddenly, everything around us disappeared.

"We should go," he murmured near my ear.

I turned to face him. His eyes burned into mine, full of unspoken promises. Dangerous ones.

"Lead the way," I said, my voice low, lips parted in anticipation.

Ryan laced his fingers through mine and pulled me through the crowd. As soon as we stepped outside, the cool air rushed against my skin, grounding me only for a moment.

Before I could speak, he backed me up against the wall of the building and crashed his lips onto mine.

I melted into the kiss, moaning softly as his hands held me firmly, yet gently. His mouth moved over mine like he already knew me. When he finally pulled back, I was breathless.

We walked toward a sleek car parked by the curb. The headlights blinked as he clicked the keys.

"Yours?" I asked, half dazed.

He nodded, opening the door for me. I slid in without hesitation something I'd never normally do. But tonight wasn't about rules. It was about release.

The drive was quiet, the tension between us thick. When the car slowed and turned into a private driveway, I blinked at the mansion coming into view.

"Wait... you live here?" I asked, stunned.

Ryan didn't answer right away. He stepped out, walked around, and opened the door for me. I had barely stepped out when his arms swept under my legs and back.

"Whoa what are you doing?" I gasped as he lifted me off the ground, bridal style.

"Carrying you inside," he said smoothly. "Can't have my date stumbling through my gates."

I laughed, the sound catching in my throat as I looked at him. His grip was strong, secure and for the first time that night, I didn't feel wild.

I felt safe.

"Put me down, I've got legs, you know," I protested, squirming slightly in Ryan's arms. But he just smirked and kept walking, carrying me like I weighed nothing. My words didn't matter he was determined.

As soon as we stepped inside his house, the mood shifted again. He set me down, and before I could catch my breath, my back met the wall with a soft thud. His mouth was on mine instantly, picking up where we left off only hotter, more urgent.

It was insane. I was doing everything I never thought I would. Just hours ago I was spiraling over Derick, and now I had a complete stranger's hands exploring my body like he knew exactly what I needed. The alcohol, the adrenaline, the frustration it was all one dangerous mix.

Buttons flew, zippers followed. Our clothes were scattered in every direction, and I couldn't even care. My fingers fumbled with his belt in desperation, and I cursed under my breath.

"Someone's eager," he murmured against my neck, voice low and teasing. The sound alone made me melt.

I didn't even realize we'd made it to his bedroom until I felt the mattress under my back.

His lips traveled down my neck, each kiss igniting something inside me I didn't know existed. I found myself thinking how Derick never took his time like this. It was always rushed, always about him. But this? This felt different.

"Make love to me," I breathed.

"I plan to," he answered, and he meant it.

He didn't rush. He didn't hesitate. And by the time I closed my eyes, I knew no one else was going to measure up after this.

I stirred slowly, letting out a sleepy yawn as I sat up. I stretched... and froze. A warm hand lay across my stomach. That wasn't mine.

Wait this wasn't my bed.

My eyes widened as I glanced around. The unfamiliar room. The masculine cologne in the air. And then... him.

Ryan.

My heart raced as flashes from the night before rushed in: the club, the dancing, the kiss, the bedroom...

Oh god.

I covered my mouth to stop the gasp from escaping. What had I done?

I needed to leave. Now.

Carefully, I lifted his hand off me, trying not to wake him. I slid out of bed, my eyes scanning the room for my clothes. Nothing. It looked like a tornado had torn through last night, and our clothes had been its first victims.

I crept toward what I guessed was a closet and jackpot. I grabbed the first shirt I could find, pulling it over my head. No bra. No underwear. Just one of his shirts that hung past my thighs. Not ideal, but it would have to do.

I slipped my feet into his oversized slippers, grabbed my purse from the couch, and made my way to the door like a thief sneaking out of a heist.

Halfway through my escape, I heard him shift and groan behind me. I froze like a statue, praying he wouldn't wake up.

After a long, tense second, silence.

I exhaled in relief and crept out, gently shutting the door behind me.

As soon as I stepped outside, I bolted.

I flagged down the first taxi I could find and sank into the back seat like I'd just outrun a disaster.

When we pulled up to my place, I muttered a quick "thank you" and stumbled out, still wearing his shirt, slippers, and a storm of emotions.

That was one hell of a night.

But just as I walked into my apartment, heart still pounding, I stopped dead in my tracks.

There was someone inside. Sitting casually. Waiting.

My eyes narrowed.

"What the hell are you doing here?" I snapped.

And just like that, the chaos wasn't over.